RFID and bar code scanning achieves the same goals though different means. Bar codes require line of sight so that that each ticket or pass can be read by a scanner. RFID is read via an embedded passive radio frequency chip and does not require a line of sight. This means you will not have to show your pass/card/ticket each time you load the lift.

Each unique RFID tag contains a multiple digit number randomly associated with a user profile. This profile is kept as a secure component of our point of sale system and user database, and will not be accessible to other guests or employees.

No; because each RFID tag is associated with a specific randomly generated number that is associated with a specific, secure database, other RFID products will not register within the Mammoth Mountain lift access system. Other RFID products currently in use include the Expanded CA Drivers License, US passports issued since October 2006, and many current makes and models of alpine ski and snowboard equipment.

Mammoth's Axess/Sirius lift access system is CE certified and complies with all standards. It was found that with the proper use of devices there is no danger for persons using pacemakers when passing hands free entry systems at the lift. However, for general reasons of precaution and compliance with the general requirements applicable, the general recommendations for using electromagnetic units should be observed and the following rules should be adhered to:

*Guests with pacemakers must not wear their lift access media cards near the heart when passing through the gate and a distance of 8 to 12 inches should be observed in the case of queues and while passing through the gate.

*If you prefer not to pass through the gate, please alert our validation staff at the lift and you will be given alternative direction for lift access.

*If vertigo or sickness is experienced, get out of the direct vicinity of the gate or device.

Mammoth Mountain is employing Passive RFID technology which does not radiate any RF energy, but simply reflects it. As a result, the passive RFID tags used at Mammoth Mountain do not contribute any additional RF energy into the surrounding environment.

No, holes must never be punched in the access media cards - season passes and daily lift tickets. The card has an antenna embedded that surrounds the embedded RFID chip. Any damage to the surrounding antenna will render the card inactive and must be replaced for a replacement fee.

Yes. RFID chips are designed in such a way as to survive normal wear and tear for years, washing and drying included. We even know of at least one lender of uniforms in the USA who employs RFID in order to keep track of their inventory and assignments after cleaning. That means that the chips even withstand industrial standards of use and cleaning.

RFID technology is used in wide variety of industries and applications. Your automobile almost certainly has an immobilizer to prevent it from being stolen. It has been ten years since the Ford Motor Company first introduced an RFID immobilizer and such systems are common in vehicles manufactured by the other major manufacturers. RFID has also been used extensively in toll collection, inventory control, building security, and library systems.

No. Because of the short read ranges of RFID and the huge amount of power that would be required to broadcast from a satellite in order to pick up information on each RFID tag, satellite read is not practical nor possible.